Exam Review Guides
District exam review guides can be found on the UCS website. Some teachers at Malow have supplemental review guides that can be found here. Please check back in this section as they will be posted as they become available.

Students study various aspects of physical education including basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer and other leisure-time activities. In health, students are introduced to decision-making skills that will help them throughout life. Units of study include: substance use and abuse, emergency care, quackery and consumerism, infectious and non-infectious disease, and systems of the body.

(IP) INNOVATION PRESENTATIONS

Innovative presentations is a semester elective class. Students will learn to compose and deliver multimedia presentations using oral, visual, and written texts, while incorporating current technology.

FULL YEAR ELECTIVE CLASSES

BAND

Band gives students the opportunity to learn and understand musical notes, symbols, and terms, as well as a chance to develop proficiency on their musical instrument. Students have the opportunity to perform at band concerts. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

ORCHESTRA

Students study forms, styles and techniques which benefit their performing and listening ability. Using string instruments, students study contemporary and classical orchestral music. Orchestra students have the opportunity to perform at concert. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS. SEMESTER ELECTIVE CLASSES

ART

Art curriculum for the eighth grade puts emphasis on the basic principles of art and art appreciation. Units explore drawing, color mixing and painting, printmaking, pen and ink, and sculpture. More time is spent in each area so that the student can develop his work in greater depth and with more skill. These units are blended with discussions on art and artists in our changing world.

EXPLORATORY LANGUAGE

The focus of this course is on introducing students to basic conversational and written phrases in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. In addition to counting, greetings, and simple nouns, students experience basic vocabulary, practice oral recitation, and study the various cultures.

DRAFTING

Junior High drafting is designed to give students an appreciation for the precision, accuracy, neatness, and the basic technical know-how required in the drafting industry. Eighth grade drafting encompasses proper lettering, measurement with the 16th scale, use and care of equipment, three-view and visualization.

TECHNOLOY EDUCATION

This course is designed to provide students with an awareness of industrial technology. Students will explore a wide variety of technologies; communications, construction, manufacturing, flight, energy, electronics, biotechnology, computer technology, transportation, forensics, lasers, etc. Student will work in teams when using the “tools” of technology to learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

DRAMA

The focus of this course is the development of voice, movement, and imagination. Students use a range of techniques to understand character as actor and/or audience member. Emphasis is placed on the development of poise and stage presence. The technical aspects of theatre production are introduced.

8TH GRADE

LIFE SKILLS 8

Life Skills 8 promotes positive self-esteem to guide students toward effective living. Decision-making skills, conflict resolution and relationships are explored. This course includes academic links and study skills. Students are introduced to and will complete an EDP (educational development plan). Student success is enhanced through the use of hands-on projects and cooperative learning experiences. FULL YEAR ELECTIVE CLASSES

BAND

Band gives students the opportunity to learn and understand musical notes, symbols, and terms, as well as a chance to develop proficiency on their musical instrument. Students have the opportunity to perform at band concerts. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENIGS AND WEEKENDS.ORCHESTRA
Students study forms, styles and techniques which benefit their performing and listening ability. Using string instruments, students study contemporary and classical orchestral music. Orchestra students have the opportunity to perform at concerts. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

FRENCH I

French I is the study of the French language with special emphasis on listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture. Learning will concentrate on bringing new vocabulary and grammar into meaningful communicative situations. Students will be introduced to the French-speaking people and their customs and tradition by means of video, audio and computer technology. Use of the language laboratory and frequent listening activities will enhance students’ ability to communicate in French. Cultural studies will include French cuisine, schools, family life, calendar, music, famous people, art and geography.

GERMAN I

This course is offered to all students and introduces the four language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing the German language. Students will learn to talk and write about themselves, their families, and their daily lives. Germany, its people and their lifestyles are studied using a variety of authentic media such as CD-ROM, video, newspaper, etc. Students will practice speaking German in classroom activities and in the language lab. They will also be exposed to German songs, festivals, and foods. Topics include the life of German teenagers, clothing, school and sports, current issues and leisure time activities.

SPANISH I

Spanish I is a beginning course providing elementary practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing the Spanish language. There is a strong emphasis on oral communication and listening comprehension through the use of varied classroom exercises as well as the use of authentic audio and videotapes. This course is interwoven with much interesting information concerning the school life, social life, geography, customs, songs, and foods of the many Spanish-speaking countries. The importance of Spanish to a person living in the U.S. as well as career opportunities is also discussed.

JAPANESE I

Japanese I emphasizes the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing. Students learn two Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana), basis sentence structures, and everyday expressions. Classical and modern Japanese culture, such as sumo wrestling, calligraphy, education, daily customs are explored.SEMESTER

ART

Art curriculum for the eighth grade puts emphasis on the basic principles of art and art appreciation. Units explore drawing, color mixing and painting, printmaking, pen and ink, and sculpture. More time is spent in each area so that the student can develop his work in greater depth and with more skill. These units are blended with discussions on art and artists in our changing world.

EXPLORATORY LANGUAGE

The focus of this course is on introducing students to basic conversational and written phrases in French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. In addition to counting, greetings, and simple nouns, students experience basic vocabulary, practice oral recitation, and study the various cultures.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

In this exploratory program, students become acquainted with activities which include volleyball, basketball, badminton, bowling, ping pong, soccer, and many other facets of physical education that lead to life-long leisure time activities.

WOODWORKING

This course provides students with a variety of experiences using hand tools and power tools in the construction of wood project. Safety habits and work skills are emphasized.

DRAFTING

Junior High drafting is designed to give students an appreciation for the precision, accuracy, neatness, and the basic technical know-how required in the drafting industry. Eighth grade drafting encompasses proper lettering, measurement with the 16th scale, use and care of equipment, three-view drawing and visualization.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

This course is designed to provide students with an awareness of industrial technology. Students will explore a wide variety of technologies; communications, construction, manufacturing, flight, energy, electronics, biotechnology, computer technology, transportation, forensics, lasers, etc. Student will work in teams when using the “tools” of technology to learn problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

VOCAL

Vocal music offers students a chance to perform and enjoy group singing. Students study singing, choreography and musical theory. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

The Creative Communications class will provide students with the opportunity to develop speaking and listening skills. Students will participate in individual and group presentations.

DRAMA

The focus of this course is the development of voice, movement, and imagination. Students use a range of techniques to understand character as actor and/or audience member. Emphasis is placed on the development of poise and stage presence. The technical aspects of theatre production are introduced.

9TH GRADE

US HISTORY 1865-1914 RECONSTRUCTION-PROGRESSIVISM (1/2 credit)

The purpose of this US History is to increase the student’s knowledge of the development of the United States as a democratic nation. The course is organized as a chronological/thematic survey of America from 1865 through 1914. This would include an examination of the following major eras in US History: Reconstruction, the American Western Frontier, the Gilded Age, Imperialism, and Progressivism. Emphasis is placed on major events, individuals and ideas comprising our American heritage. This course increases the student’s knowledge of historical insights and the continued development of democratic values.

C010 GLOBAL ISSUES (1/2 credit)

The purpose of this course is to examine problems and issues that are shared by people of the world. Global Issues will incorporate geography, culture, and history in a focused study of major modern current issues. The fact that many problems and issues are beyond national scope will be stressed, giving students the opportunity to perceive that nations are interconnected and interdependent. SEMESTER ELECTIVE CLASSES

DRAMA

The focus of this course is the development of voice, movement, and imagination. Students use a range of techniques to understand character as actor and/or audience member. Emphasis is placed on the development of poise and stage presence. The technical aspects of theatre production are introduced.

DEBATE

This is a demanding speech course for motivated students who have demonstrated the verbal and intellectual ability to learn and practice analytical thinking, to gather and evaluate information, and to study and discuss current topics of importance. Since the course involves actual debate competitions outside the regular classroom, students entering the debate class must be willing and able to participate in these co-curricular activities.

FORENSICS

This is a demanding course for motivated students who have demonstrated an interest in individual or group competition outside of school. Research, interpretation, presentation, evaluation and coaching sessions are offered in public address categories such as informative, oratory, impromptu, extemporaneous, broadcast speaking as well as in oral-interpretation events such as prose, poetry, drama, humor, and children’s literature. Students may take this class for credit more than once.

FRENCH I

French I is the study of the French language with special emphasis on listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture. Learning will concentrate on bringing new vocabulary and grammar into meaningful communicative situations. Students will be introduced to the French-speaking people and their customs and tradition by means of video, audio and computer technology. Frequent listening activities will enhance students’ ability to communicate in French. Cultural studies will include French cuisine, schools, family life, calendar, music, famous people, art and geography.

FRENCH II

This class is a continuation of French skills with an emphasis on speaking and understanding French through vocabulary building and use of technology. Students will
Continue to develop proficiency in the areas of listening, reading, speaking, writing and culture. Culture studies include Paris, French cuisine, music and transportation, geography and more.

GERMAN I

This course is offered to all students and introduces the four language skills: listening, reading, speaking, and writing the German language. Students will learn to speak and write in German about themselves, their families, and their daily lives. Germany, its people and their lifestyles are studied using a variety of authentic media such as CD-ROM, video, newspaper, etc. Students will practice speaking German in classroom activities. They will also be exposed to German songs, festivals, and foods. Topics include the life of German teenagers, clothing, school and sports, current issues and leisure time activities.

GERMAN II

German II is a continuation of conversational German with emphasis on speaking, reading, writing and comprehending German. The goal is for students to be able to express their own opinions in spoken and written German. Guided conversations and a variety of communication activities continue to improve students’ pronunciation and comprehension. Topics include shopping, getting around in Germany, free time activities, vacations and healthy lifestyles.

SPANISH I

Spanish I is a beginning course providing elementary practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing the Spanish language. There is a strong emphasis on oral communication and listening comprehension through the use of varied classroom exercises as well as the use of authentic audio and videotapes. This course is interwoven with much interesting information concerning the school life, social life, geography, customs, songs, and foods of the many Spanish-speaking countries. The importance of Spanish to a person living in the U.S as well as career opportunities are also discussed.

SPANISH II

Students have the opportunity to develop their language skills through the continued balanced presentation of four skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing). More advanced reading passages, dialogues, and directed writings are utilized. Oral communication and listening comprehension continue to be a vital part of daily activities. Reading selections, class discussions, and videos portray a cross-section of Spanish culture including leisure time activities, family celebrations, clothing, school and daily life, health, shopping, travel, food, professions, and urban versus rural life.

JAPANESE I

Japanese I emphasizes the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students learn two Japanese alphabets (hiragana and katakana), basis sentence structures, and everyday expressions. Classical and modern Japanese culture, such as sumo wrestling, calligraphy, education, daily customs are explored.

GENERAL BUSINESS

The one-year course introduces the students to the business world through various units of study. These units include different business organizations, stocks, bonds, banking, accounting, income tax, insurance, and running a simulated business community in class. Introductory units include Spreadsheet and Hyper Studio.

WOODWORKING

This co-educational course is designed to teach basic skills using hand tools, portable power tools, and industrial woodworking machines. The course includes wood turning, furniture construction, house construction, furniture and house repair, and project development and finishing.

DRAFTING I

This co-educational course teaches basic knowledge and develops specific drafting skills, such as common drafting terms, symbols used in interpreting drawings, line control, lettering, sketching, and manipulating drawing tools. Geometrical construction, orthographic projections, sectioning, and dimensioning techniques are taught along with an introduction to auto body design and CAD drafting. Because of the accuracy in communication developed through drafting techniques, this course offers a foundation to many career areas.

BAND

The fundamentals of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments are covered with the emphasis on individual progress and enrichment. No previous band experience is required. Selection of instrument requires the consent of the instructor. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS.

ORCHESTRA

This class focuses on the study and refinement of stringed instruments. Contemporary and classical orchestral music is introduced. Individual progress is stressed. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND EXTRA REHEARSALS AND ALL PERFORMANCES INCLUDING EVEINGS AND WEEKENDS.

MIXED CHORUS

This co-ed choir is made up of beginning and intermediate students. Many styles of music are offered, and some choreography will be included. ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN ALL ACTIVITIES OF THE CHOIR, INCLUDING EXTRA REHEARSALS.

ART FOUNDATIONS

Art Foundations is the prerequisite for all advanced art classes. This class helps develop drawing skills in such areas as nature, figures, still life, and perspective studies. The student will gain an understanding of composition by working with the elements of art: balance variety/contrast, movement, unity, harmony, proportion, rhythm and dominance. Design problems in both two and three-dimensional areas will be presented. The class will provide basic training and experience in a variety of media. Study of the history of art and its impact on contemporary life will enhance the student’s awareness of both cultural heritage and art as a possible career choice. This course will provide a strong foundation in art vocabulary, skills, and concepts, as well as the necessary background to advance to Three Dimensional Concepts/Crafts and/or Two Dimensional Concepts Design.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Depending on the time of year and facilities available, students will participate in a variety of team sports, individual sports, recreational activities and fitness activities. Students will learn the rules, skills, etiquette and strategies for each activity with emphasis on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

HEALTH

This course provides students with information to enable them to make healthy decisions, define wellness, and deal with various health problems. Topics may include substance abuse, mental health, nutrition, diseases (including AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases) human growth and development, personal safety, and first aid.

LIFE SKILLS

The Life skills department recognizes the importance of promoting the growth of the total individual: physical, intellectual, emotional, and social. It provides instruction that will enable students to improve the quality and stability of their lives in an ever-changing society. Life Skills, a vocational course, explores a variety of areas such as nutrition and foods, parenting and child development.